Building Confidence: Tips to Elevate Your Self-Esteem

I’m often saddened by how many of my clients lack confidence and even low self-regard.  All too often I am able to see their strengths and potential when they don’t.  Even when I encourage them to recognise their own gifts and value to their employer, they resist.   

Confidence can be likened to a muscle; the more you work on it, the stronger it becomes. It's the self-assurance that helps us navigate challenges, take risks, and present our best selves to the world. However, building confidence doesn't happen overnight, it takes time and practice.  

Here are some of the strategies I share with my clients, to bolster self-esteem and pave the way to a more confident you. 

Build Self-Awareness. Start by introspecting and recognizing your strengths and weaknesses. Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small, and remind yourself of them regularly. By understanding and accepting yourself, you build a foundation upon which confidence can thrive. 

Set Achievable Goals. Break down your aspirations into small, attainable steps. Every time you achieve a goal, you give yourself evidence of your ability to succeed. Celebrating these victories, will reinforce your belief in your ability to achieve your bigger goals. 

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone. Our comfort zone is the space in which life is more predictable and feels safer.  The reality is growth happens at the edges of our comfort zones. By challenging yourself and trying new things, you prove to yourself that you're capable of more than you might have believed.  

Practice Self-Compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding as you would a loved one.   The day I learned to speak to myself the same way I speak to my children, transformed my life.  None of us are perfect and we all make mistakes, but they don't define us. Instead of being your harshest critic, become your own biggest supporter. 

Surround Yourself with Positivity. Your environment plays a significant role in shaping your self-worth. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift you and believe in your potential. Distance yourself from naysayers and negativity.  My mentor Aaron Sansoni recently shared how to respond to naysayers perfectly “listen I hear what you are saying, and I respect that is your opinion, but I don’t want to hear that.  You don’t have to support me, but I don’t want you to be proactively going against me”.   

Visualize Success. Visualization is a powerful tool used by many athletes and successful business people.   When you vividly imagine a scenario, the brain processes the visualization similarly to how it processes an actual event. This "mental rehearsal" strengthens the neural pathways associated with that activity. Over time, as you repeatedly visualize success, your brain begins to recognize the pattern, making the actual act feel familiar and attainable. 

Choose Your Posture. It might seem simplistic, but standing tall and maintaining good posture can have an immediate impact on your confidence. When you physically take up space and stand with purpose, it sends a message, both to yourself and others, that you are confident and assertive. 

Affirmations. Use positive affirmations to replace negative self-talk. Phrases like "I am capable," or "I believe in myself," when repeated regularly, can rewire your brain to think more positively and boost confidence. 

Accept Compliments. Instead of downplaying or brushing off compliments, learn to accept them graciously with a simple "thank you." Recognizing and accepting positive feedback from others helps reaffirm your self-worth. 

Remember that building confidence is a journey, not a destination. Every day presents opportunities to nurture and grow your self-esteem. By incorporating these practices into your life, you'll be well on your way to becoming a more confident, empowered version of yourself.